"It’s very important that all our students know they are loved and cared for in our building," Jessica Vieira, Principal at Veterans Memorial Elementary school in Naples said. "We are an academic setting, but it goes so much further than that when it comes to the success of our students."

Veterans Memorial installed their benches in September. Administrators have also started training students to become "buddy ambassadors," where they learn how to make new friendships.

"We are building leaders. When we start this young, and we get them going being helpful and not part of the problem, [they become] part of the solution." Vieira said.